Vue is a versatile and practical SUV

RON MOORHEAD, Special Sections correspondent Staff

Published: February 2, 2008

Updated: June 1, 2013 at 10:20 PM

The European-inspired designed 2008 Saturn Vue is sure to please anyone in need of versatile and practical transportation. Stepping beyond basic needs, the hard, practical facts of driving in today's traffic come to mind. Features such as safety, comfort and fuel economy are major considerations in the minds of car buyers. That precisely is the reason I see the Saturn Vue as an excellent pick for families.
The exterior design is sleek and contemporary, offset by a bright chrome grille, accents on the front bumper and an attractive, yet functional air intake opening in the lower valence. Adding to the Euro styling are large gills behind the front wheels. It is the combination of these facets that lends to the coolness of the new Vue.
Practicality most certainly overcomes emotions when considering our next set of wheels. Here is where the Vue shines brightly, yet in quiet reserve. Under the stylish body sits a fully rigid platform that is the basis for an incredible number of standard safety features.
Keeping passengers safe in an accident is a priority. Yet, we all know it is much better to avoid an accident if at all possible. Therefore, Saturn engineers have incorporated a slew of safety innovations that can assist the driver in avoiding an unfortunate incident.

Starting with the aforementioned rigid platform, Saturn engineers added a suspension system that combines excellent handling characteristics along with providing superb ride comfort. The Vue smoothed the ride over the expansion joints of every freeway I ventured on, while it provided a spirited drive along backcountry roads.
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes bring the vehicle to a quick and sure stop. If an unanticipated object appears on the road, General Motors' StabiliTrak electronic stability control will assist in keeping the Vue in control during an emergency lane change.
Through a collection of sensors and a computer control, StabiliTrak regulates the brake at each individual wheel to help keep the vehicle from spinning out of control.
Providing safety during an accident can greatly reduce or even eliminate injury to loved ones. Here, the Vue has you covered. The high-strength steel body structure reduces intrusion during an accident. Dual-stage front air bags along with dual front seat thorax airbags and full head curtain airbags for the front and rear seats are standard equipment on all Vue models.
The SUV provides plenty of room for friends and all their stuff during an outing. A tow package allows you to tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is more than enough to take along a couple of motocross bikes or a personal watercraft. The Vue's stabilization system can sense you are towing a load and adjust to help keep control.
Combining contemporary styling with extraordinary comfort and advanced safety systems, the 2008 Saturn Vue fits neatly onto the list of my top picks.

Ron Moorhead, a nationally syndicated automotive columnist, can be reached at ronmoorhead@hotmail.com.